Monday, January 24, 2011

A Bit about Belgian Brood

For the longest time, I’ve been meaning to post a little note here about the "brood" bread machines. I'm not talking about your normal Oster kitchen counter bread machine either. It's more like an ATM for bread. When we first arrived, one of the most popular things to do as a family was to walk down the block to the bread machine and buy freshly baked bread. (What can I say? This group is cheap, and easy to please.)

Belgians take their bread quite seriously. You can get fresh bread anytime. Even on Sunday when all the other stores are closed, the local bakeries will be hoppin’ before the sun comes up.
They’re onto something too. Those bakeries are inviting, delightful places overflowing with sweet aromas and people with friendly smiles, ready to provide you with a varied selection of fresh breads (wheat, whole grain, white, 9 grain, etc), baguettes, sweets, chocolates, tortes, croissants, or pastries. There is nothing more satisfying on a wet, chilly, Saturday morning than the glow of a bakery and the baked smell that wafts up the street nearby.

Remember, fresh bread is a big deal. So, if, heaven forbid, the bakery is closed, there is no cause for alarm. No one has to dawn an apron, or fight for the flour jar. One may simply waltz to the closest bread machine drop in a few coins, and make a selection. Out comes your fresh bread. How fab is that?

And for those of you who just can't imagine that, here's a short video clip from someone else that thought the machines are cooler than sliced brood!

Now, when chocolate dispensing machines will start appearing on the streets is beyond me, but I tell you, I can't wait!

Copyright- Jusk Ask!

So, under the advice and encouragement of others, I'm adding a copyright statement to the family blog. Ridiculous really. I don't really mind if someone wants to use a photo. Actually it's always a bit flattering when someone asks. I don't mind at all, but just ask! Simple manners. This all came about because I stumbled upon my photos, which had been posted on the blog, being used here in Europe by someone making travel ads. He did site the blog; fair enough. But I realized that our kids could show up on a billboard in the Philippines with some strange photo shopped monster streaming from their noses, if I didn't at least try to persuade borrowers to at least ask first. I'm going to say yes, of course. I'm going to let you use the photo. I'll probably even offer to mail you a copy on disc. So just ask. It's a bit like RSVP- just do it. RSVP to that party. It's not hard, and it's the right thing to do- to let the hostess know you're not going to attend, or better yet, that you will show up. Please. I'm a nice person. I don't bite. Just ask.

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